Devil’s Canyon Secures Final Spot in Wired Beer Championship

Who knew when the initial October Madness bracket was constructed so many months ago that we would have two regional craft brew powerhouses going head-to-head with a spot in the championship on the line? And yet, that’s exactly where we found ourselves Monday night at Wired HQ, a Battle of Highway 101 before our very eyes. On one side was the deceptively smooth Ironwood Dark from Tied House, a favorite watering hole for so many Yahoos, Googlers, and Microsofties. On the other end was Full Boar Scotch Ale, a rich, peaty brew from Devil’s Canyon.

Two powerhouse beers entered, but only one could reserve a spot in this Thursday’s championship against Ninkasi Believer Double Red Ale.

How They Fared: Ironwood Dark definitely scrapped its way to the Final Four, having knocked off Alpine Gold, Magnolia’s Proving Ground IPA, and Full Sail’s Session Black. This time around, the Ironwood Dark relied on its trademark drinkability and smooth flavor to win over its share of fans. Dermot found it “heavier, tastier, fuller,” while Brad likened it to “Tchaikovsky in my mouth.” Carrie from Yelp described it as “buttery and caramel-y,” while Steve Hawk summed it up in all three all-capped words: “IT WAS BETTER.”

Although, as strong an opponent as the Ironwood proved, the Full Boar just would not be denied, having gotten to this point by defeating Silicon Blonde Ale, Eye of the Hawk and Boont Amber Ale. Maxwell from Yelp loved the “rich, creamy flavor, almost like a stout.” Wired magazine production guru Myrna Chiu felt the Full Boar “had more character.” Brian Mossop from PLoS pretty much encapsulated the final vote with his observation: “The smokey trumps the sweet.”

And so it was with the final vote, which saw Full Boar emerge with a hard-fought nine-vote victory, and so it will be Ninkasi vs. Devil’s Canyon this Thursday for all the October Madness marbles.